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- Tasks: Lead strategic decision-making and enhance leadership impact within the Fire & Rescue Service.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on community safety while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree qualified with substantial management experience and strong political awareness.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive organisation committed to safeguarding and equality.
The predicted salary is between 45091 - 47181 £ per year.
Salary Range: £45,091 - £47,181 per annum
Work Location: HIWFRS HQ, Eastleigh
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 6 March 2026
Interview Date: 23 March 2026
Join our Team! We are creating a pivotal new role at the heart of our organisation. As Chief of Staff, you will work directly with our Chief Fire Officer and Executive Group to enable effective strategic decision making, strengthen leadership impact, and support the successful delivery of our Safety Plan 2025 - 2030. This is an opportunity for an exceptional professional who thrives in a dynamic, high profile environment - someone who brings clarity, influence, and drive to complex organisational and political landscapes.
As our Chief of Staff you will:
- Provide professional guidance, challenge and advice to the Chief Fire Officer, adding value across the organisation.
- Promote and strengthen the civic identity of the Fire & Rescue Service, enhancing our reputation and impact.
- Build and maintain strong cross functional and external relationships to support leadership success and effective service delivery.
- Lead and contribute to national projects on behalf of the Chief Fire Officer and senior managers.
- Represent the Service at senior forums, acting with professionalism, integrity, discretion and complete confidentiality.
- Champion high standards, innovation, inclusion, and our Core Values - ensuring they are lived and embedded across everything we do.
About you: You’re someone with outstanding judgement, political awareness, and the confidence to work with sensitive issues at an executive level. You’ll be able to influence, collaborate and deliver with precision, always demonstrating professionalism and credibility.
What we’re looking for:
- Educated with a degree qualification or equivalent.
- Substantial line management experience within a business environment.
- Strong political awareness and understanding.
- Confidence to use own initiative and complete and prioritise work independently.
- Experience of working at a corporate level, ideally in the public sector.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact across an organisation that makes life safer for our communities, we want to hear from you.
Benefits of working for us:
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Generous holiday entitlement.
- Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working.
- Salary sacrifice car and bike schemes.
- Discounts for emergency services workers at many retailers including Blue Light Card.
- Modern office spaces to work from.
- Family-friendly leave entitlements.
Additional Information: Chief of Staff HIWFRS Values:
- Reaching Further - Inspiring and challenging ourselves and others.
- Showing Respect - Fairness, honesty and integrity in everything we say and do.
- Supporting Others - Listening and acting with compassion and empathy.
- Everyone Playing Their Part - Recognising the contribution we all make.
This role is subject to a Standard DBS Check.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
Corporate Equalities Employment Policy: In order to combat indirect discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied to any posts which may unintentionally exclude certain groups of potential applicants from applying or have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, disability, age, ethnic or national origin, marital status, creed, sexuality, trade union activity or responsibility for dependants unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification (GOQ) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
Chief of Staff HIWFRS623222 in Eastleigh employer: ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA
Contact Detail:
ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief of Staff HIWFRS623222 in Eastleigh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. They can give you insider info on the culture and what it takes to succeed in the Chief of Staff role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the organisation's Safety Plan 2025 - 2030. Show us that you understand the strategic goals and how you can contribute to achieving them. This will set you apart from other candidates!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Chief of Staff, you'll need to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels. Role-play potential interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence and clarity.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief of Staff HIWFRS623222 in Eastleigh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Chief of Staff role. We want to see how you can add value to our organisation, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Chief of Staff, strong leadership is key. Use your written application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've influenced others in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and drive change!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured writing that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications. Remember, clarity is crucial when you're working in a dynamic environment like ours!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the role of Chief of Staff and understand the key responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the Safety Plan 2025 - 2030 and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience and ability to influence at a corporate level. Think about times when you've successfully navigated complex organisational challenges and how you can bring that expertise to the Fire & Rescue Service.
✨Understand the Political Landscape
Given the political awareness required for this role, brush up on current issues affecting the fire and rescue sector. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach sensitive topics and engage stakeholders effectively.
✨Embody Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the HIWFRS values: Reaching Further, Showing Respect, Supporting Others, and Everyone Playing Their Part. Think of specific instances where you've demonstrated these values in your previous roles, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
